Restoration and rebuilding of the organ has been undertaken by Alain Baumgarten of Les Orgues Baumgarten (Quebec). At the annual Vestry meeting, in February 1999, the Parish agreed to investigate the work required to renovate the organ, and also to develop a plan for funding this restoration and bring it back up to the standard needed to support our strong music program. In part, our recent recording of the compact disc, "The Truth from Above", was completed to raise awareness of the instrument and help begin to raise the funds necessary for the project.

Alain Baumgarten - of Les Orgues Baumgarten (Quebec) with a number of the pipes of the St. Matthew's organ which are being restored.

On May 28, 2000, a special Vestry of the Parish voted overwhelmingly in favour of going ahead with a fundraising effort to raise the necessary funds to restore the organ.  This campaign was launched in Fall 2000 and was a tremendous success.

A number of unforeseen difficulties meant that the organ could not be installed by the original target date of November 2001.  The organ has now been almost completely installed some 6 months after the original target date and the dedication of the organ will take place on June 9 during the Choral Eucharist service.

In the weeks following the dedication of the organ, the builders will continue to install the final pipes and stops, and will complete the tuning and voicing of the instrument.
 

Some of the St. Matthew's Organ pipes in the shop for restoration and repair.

The work was done in three stages: to rebuild the four-manual pedal console, build and install new and enlarged wind chests, and some new pipe work to re-leather all pneumatic actions and valves that are still there as part of the original 1909 organ; and to make tonal additions to the Great Division, including new chests and pedal completion.  St. Matthew's would like to thank the many individuals and groups both within the Parish and in the broader community who have generously pledged their support for this project.  However, the need for funds continues and it is not too late to make a tax-deductible donation.  Your support will help ensure that St. Matthew's can maintain the highest standard of musical excellence as we praise God and serve the community through music.

Photographs and information about the organ before the restoration can be found by clicking here .

For more information about the Organ Restoration Project, or to discuss the possibility of making a donation to the Restoration Fund, please contact the St. Matthew's Church Office at (613) 234-4024 , or by email at stmatt@cyberus.ca .

Updated: September 23, 2002.   Return to the St. Matthew's Website